1. Stairs no longer terrify you.
Because the John Felice Rome Center is all in one building, you were used to climbing 5+ flights of stairs after lunch to go back to your room.
Photo Credit: Samantha Saliba
2. …Neither do hills.
Need to stop by Simply to purchase some vino? Enjoy the nice walk down the hill, and struggle the entire way home.
3. There’s a 95% chance you haven’t eaten eggplant since returning home.
So. Much. Melanzane #ThankYouMensa
Photo Credit: Frosted and Fried
4. When Pollo al Forno was available at Mensa, you ALWAYS ate it.
And, if it ran out, you were grumpy the rest of your meal as you ate cornflakes. Again.
Photo Credit: Sam Lewandowski
5. You laugh when people complain that the El hasn’t arrived, even though it’s been 2 minutes.
Waiting a few minutes for the L to arrive is NOTHING compared to the wait for the N6 after a long night at Scholars, or for the 913 when you have a long trek to your on-site class.
Photo Credit: Frosted and Fried
6. Pear Pasta. Enough said.
Here’s a recipe, but if you’re like me, you’ll look at it, realize it’s impossible, and settle for your $2 boxed pasta reluctantly. http://www.thekitchn.com/italian-recipe-fiocchetti-with-pears-and-parmesan-cream-recipes-from-the-kitchn-190991
Photo Credit: Amy Christenson
7. Laying out and studying in the olive grove was the norm.
Until they found a snake.
8. You find yourself craving a salami sandwich and pear juice.
Just kidding. Those bagged lunches were awful. But, you saved a ton of money while traveling so you ate it anyway.
Photo Credit: Lauren Capra
10. The Shari Vari photographer made you feel famous.
If you weren’t sweating from being packed in like a sardine can.
11. The Rinaldo’s staff memorized your order.
We love our amici from Rinaldo’s, and they worked so hard to make us the best caffe macchiato every morning or a delicious pizza after calcio.
Photo Credit: Isabelle Parshall
12. Eating lunch with professors was the norm.
JFRC is one big family, faculty included.